Residential Parking Permits
While municipalities are not required to provide long-term parking for residents' vehicles in downtown areas, the City recognizes that not all residents can afford private parking options, such as monthly garage passes. This is why the City offers an annual Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program as a public service.
RPPs enable residents from specific neighborhoods to park on the street within designated zones at significantly discounted rates compared to regular paid parking. There are no assigned parking spaces, allowing residents to occupy any available spot in their designated zone. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis for residents with a permit.
Zones
As of 2025, there are nine approved residential permit parking areas and special permit parking areas that permit residential parking. Each zone is marked with specific signage.
Types of Permits
All zones permit residents (owner or renter) of residential properties within the respective zone to seek a residential parking permit. Some zones also have established temporary and visitor parking permits that can be obtained for use in the zone as well.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Residential Parking Permit program, you must reside at an address within one of the designated zones. To verify your eligibility and check for permit availability, please register for an account and enter your address. Residents with proof of residency and vehicle registration can obtain a permit, limited to one per person and two per dwelling unit. Per section 514-7 of the CMC, all zones allow only one annual permit per resident and two per dwelling.
Spouses, partners, roommates, family, or other co-habitants are required to create their own accounts and apply for their own permits. All Residential Parking Permits are digital and do not have a physical sticker or placard.
How do I apply?
To create a digital account and apply for a digital permit, please go to the RPP portal and follow the steps laid out: www.cincinnati.thepermitportal.com
Be prepared to upload the following documents: proof of residency, vehicle registration, and proof of income eligibility* for reduced permits (if applicable). The available permit types include Annual Resident Permit, Semi-Annual Resident Permit, Annual Resident Reduced Permit, Visitor Permit, and Guest Permit
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Complete the creation of your digital account.
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Click “Buy Permit,” select your permit zone and type. Click “Buy.” Fill out all required fields, select your vehicle from the dropdown, upload necessary documentation, and click “Submit.”
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Wait for an email confirming approval. After approval, you can proceed with payment. The permit becomes valid once payment is processed. If your application is denied, read the explanation carefully and reapply with corrected information if possible.
You will receive email notifications at each step. Please note that permits are not valid until the approval process is complete and payment have been processed. Applications must include all required documentation, and account holders are responsible for updating their permit information, including vehicle license plate and address. If your vehicle's plate is not listed on the active permit, you will receive citations.
*If applying for reduced (low-income) RPP, the following are acceptable criteria to show proof of income status:
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A lease or documentation from the resident’s landlord confirming residency in subsidized or tax-credit housing.
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An Ohio Direction Card indicating eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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Participation in a Medicaid-managed care plan or a fee-for-service card verifying Medicaid eligibility.
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An Ohio EPPICard showing qualification for Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance.
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter or appropriate documentation verifying SSI eligibility.
More details on residential permit parking areas can be found here:
Chapter 514 - PARKING PERMITS | Code of Ordinances | Cincinnati, OH | Municode Library
Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Frequently Asked Questions
When did the program begin?
The program started on January 1, 2019.
How much does the permit cost?
The standard permit in Over-the-Rhine (OTR) costs $60 annually; however, an affordable permit is available for $25 for those who qualify as low-income. In all other zones, the cost is $30 for a full year and $15 for a half year. This cost applies to visitor passes as well (OTR does not offer visitor passes). Payment can be made by cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard. Checks should be made out to the Treasurer - City of Cincinnati. Each permit is valid for the calendar year and expires on December 31. The cost of a permit cannot be prorated based on the time of year it is purchased.
Are RPP holders guaranteed a parking spot?
No, RPP holders are not guaranteed a parking space. If no space is available, residents with a permit will need to find alternative parking, such as a metered space or off-street parking.
Can I get a permit for a car that isn’t registered in my name?
No, the vehicle must be registered in the name of the person applying for the permit. The applicant must also possess a valid driver’s license.
Can residential permits be used in other Residential Parking Areas?
No, permits are only valid in the zones specified on the permit.
How are RPPs enforced?
The permit sticker/decal should be placed on the lower passenger side of the front windshield. Receipts and printed copies of applications in windshields are not accepted by Parking Enforcement and may result in a citation. For enforcement issues, contact the City’s Parking Facilities Division at 513-352-4527.
What happens if you don't have a permit?
Violators will receive a citation from the City’s Parking Enforcement Division under Cincinnati Municipal Code Section 514. For questions regarding tickets and enforcement, please contact Parking Facilities at 513-352-4527.
How long does it take to get a permit once the application is received?
Online applications are the fastest way to obtain your permit. All permits must be entered into the online tracking system, so using a paper application may result in longer processing times. Permits can be mailed to your residence or picked up in the office. Generally, permits can be issued the same day if the application is submitted online and the applicant calls with a method of payment.
Where can visitors park without passes?
Visitors cannot park in zones designated for residential permits. Alternative options include metered spaces, garages, and off-street parking.
How is a new zone created?
Cincinnati Municipal Code 514-5 sets the criteria for creating a new residential parking permit area through a petition from a majority of households within the proposed area. The creation of zones can be initiated by City Council or if at least 60 percent of the households in the area sign a petition.
Updates + Policy
2022
As of July 1, 2022, the Parking Facilities department has taken over the administration of the Residential Parking Permit Program from the City’s Department of Transportation and Engineering. All Residential Parking Permits will now be digital, eliminating the need for a physical sticker or placard. All applicants must create a new digital account to apply for, manage, and pay for their residential parking permits. Each resident may apply for only one annual permit. Spouses, partners, roommates, family members, or other cohabitants must also create their own accounts and apply for their permits individually. According to section 514-7 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code (CMC), residential permits are limited to one per person and two per dwelling. For more details, please refer to the link provided.
2025
On October 23, 2024, City Council passed Ordinance 349-2024, which authorizes the creation of a Special Permit Parking Area (SPPA) in the northern section of Over-the-Rhine (OTR). A crucial part of this process involved a comprehensive review of the parking rates and hours for on-street paid parking within North OTR. By incorporating best practices, conducting local research, and gathering feedback from stakeholders, the Administration developed an SPPA with updated parking rates and hours for the North OTR neighborhood. To address the high parking demand in the North OTR SPPA, particularly around Findlay Market, parking rates will be increased to align with those in South OTR. The hours will also be adjusted based on feedback from key stakeholders, including small business owners and residents. Flex hours will allow both residents and the public to access spaces during specific times, with new rates and hours taking effect on January 1, 2025. The Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), the Department of Transportation & Engineering (DOTE), and the Department of Public Services (DPS) are collaborating to finalize signage and develop effective communication strategies for those potentially affected by these changes.